Assam: In a significant development, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam has expressed his appreciation for the approval of the ₹4,100 crore Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) by the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
Addressing the press, CM Sarma highlighted the importance of the scheme for a state like Assam, which has a long-standing history of being flood-prone and shares riverine boundaries with neighboring countries. He emphasized that the FMBAP encompasses various components tailored to mitigate the unique challenges faced by Assam, thereby aiding in the realization of the state’s vision to build a flood-free Assam.
The FMBAP approved for a period of five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26, consists of two key components:
- Flood Management Programme (FMP): With an outlay of ₹2,940 crore, this component aims to provide central assistance to state governments for critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion measures, drainage development, and anti-sea erosion initiatives. The funding pattern follows a ratio of 90% (Centre) to 10% (State) for Special Category States and 60% (Centre) to 40% (State) for General/Non-Special Category States.
- River Management and Border Areas (RMBA): With an outlay of ₹1,160 crore, this component focuses on flood control and anti-erosion works on common border rivers with neighboring countries. It also includes hydrological observations, flood forecasting, and pre-construction activities of joint water resources projects with neighboring countries, all funded by 100% central assistance.
While acknowledging that the primary responsibility of flood management rests with the state governments, the Union Government recognizes the need to supplement their efforts, especially in light of the increasing incidence of weather events attributed to climate change. The RMBA component also plays a crucial role in protecting vital installations of security agencies and border outposts along the border rivers from floods and erosion.
Furthermore, the scheme incentivizes states that implement floodplain zoning, an effective non-structural measure for flood management.
CM Sarma concluded by expressing confidence that the implementation of the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme will significantly bolster Assam’s resilience against floods and contribute to the overall development and well-being of the state.
